Apprenticeships offer plenty of openings

While the number of 16 to 18-year-olds starting apprenticeships has continued to increase in the county despite a national trend of decline, there are currently more than 100 vacancies.

Paddy Patterson, who runs the Oxfordshire Apprenticeships service, said: “We’re finding in some areas that the number of apprenticeship vacancies is actually exceeding the number of candidates.

“There are well over 100 vacancies available right now in a number of job roles across the county, including construction, motor vehicle, electrical installation and childcare.

“There has never been such choice for young people.”

Figures show that since last August, 971 young people started an apprenticeship — a 1.3 per cent increase on the same period last year.

That compares with statistics which show there were 13 per cent fewer 16 to 18-year-old apprentices across England overall.

School leavers Fabi Blood, 18, and George Gilbey, 17, both recently started as business administrator apprentices at Banbury firm Career Connect.

Former Oxford & Cherwell Valley College student Fabi said: “After I left college I found it hard to find work and I was applying for everything I could find.

“Eventually I saw the job offer and went for it. It’s a great experience and you get to learn on the job. I am busy now and it feels great.”

For George, who left Bicester Community College at 16, the job has provided a new career path. “I left school and went straight into work at 16 doing a part-time job,” he said.

“I started putting my CV out to as many businesses as I could and eventually got an interview with Career Connect.

“I’m really happy. It’s a great environment and I feel as though I’ve got some direction now.”

Michelle Howie, managing director of Career Connect, said: “I was surprised because it was actually difficult to find people for the positions.”

She added: “Hiring those two was the best decision I’ve made — it’s worked out really well.”